Flu now ‘widespread’ in Washington

SEATTLE — Fever, cough and headache caused by the flu are now widespread in Washington, the state Department of Health said Friday.

Previously the flu had been at a regional level. It was upgraded in a new report, meaning the flu is in more than half of the communities in the state, said spokesman Donn Moyer.

Widespread flu is not unusual, but the activity appears to be increasing and could be worse than the previous two seasons, which were considered mild, Moyer said.

“We get to widespread flu activity in our state almost every season,” Moyer said.

The activity seems to be a little early. It typically peaks in January and February.

“We’re ramping up,” Moyer said.

Six people have died of the flu so far this season, including one child, all in Western Washington. There were 18 flu deaths in 2011-2012 and 36 the previous year. The most state deaths were 98 in the swine flu season of 2009-2010.

“Every one of these deaths is tragic, especially one that happens to have been a child,” Moyer said. “But the numbers are not unusual.”

The department reported the first three deaths in December: a 12-year-old Pierce County boy, and a man in his ’80s and a woman in her ’70s in King County.

Three more December deaths were reported last week by Snohomish County: a Bothell woman in her ’40s, an Everett woman in her ’80s and an Edmonds woman in her ’80s.

Those are lab-confirmed flu deaths. Officials believe the flu is a complicating factor in more deaths.

The department urges residents to take the risk seriously and head off the aches, stuffy nose and fatigue with a flu shot. There’s no shortage of the vaccine in the state, Moyer said. The shots are recommended for everyone older than 6 months. The state pays for the vaccine for children, although parents may still be charged a fee for the injection.

“We have our fingers crossed people will get shots and do the other things to protect yourself such as hand-washing,” he said.

Health officials recommend that people with the flu stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone to avoid spreading the virus. Rest, liquids and over-the-counter medicines are common treatments. Antibiotics don’t work against a viral illness.

Free shots

With this year’s flu season more severe than usual, the Snohomish Health District is providing up to 500 doses of flu shots this week in Everett to uninsured and low-income adults. The first event is scheduled from 10 a.m. until noon on Friday during the WorkSource Community Resource Fair at Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave. The second clinic is scheduled from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave. Shots to prevent whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria also will be available.